EU Climate & Environment Policy
Liner shipping is leading the maritime sector effort to decarbonise through direct investment in vessels that can operate on near-zero and zero-GHG fuels. WSC calls on the EU to take action on key environmental issues.
Decarbonising Shipping.
Millions TEU’s Capacity on Order
Source: Alphaliner
Negotiate global IMO agreements by spring of 2025.
WSC works with the European Commission and Member States to achieve binding GHG reduction standards and GHG pricing that apply globally. The EU must help the IMO achieve a pricing mechanism such as the Green Balance Mechanism , and a GHG fuel standard to phase out fossil fuel vessels. The transition to a net-zero EU regional economy depends upon EU leadership at the IMO.
Effectively implement the maritime EU Green Deal.
The EU ETS can only be fully effective by aligning with well-to-wake principles in FuelEU Maritime. WSC is ready to help the European Commission revise the ETS to best account for the uptake of renewable and low carbon maritime fuels on a lifecycle basis. The EU must also prioritise production of renewable marine fuels from green hydrogen to match the demand from dual-fuel ships coming into service before 2030. Renewable fuels must scale with fleet investment to ensure maritime Green Deal goals are met and to achieve maritime decarbonisation by 2050.
Prioritise EU competitiveness by funding decarbonisation measures using EU ETS revenues.
EU ETS revenues (Innovation Fund and Member State revenues) can be better directed to provide funds for the sectors transition to decarbonisation. EU ETS revenues can accelerate the uptake of green fuels by covering cost differences between conventional and alternative fuels, more clearly supporting production and supply of renewable fuels. EU funding for green marine fuel supply must include all EU coastlines to ensure a competitive and green TEN-T freight network.
Sustainable Fleet Renewal.
Advance global improvements to ship recycling by leading revision of the Hong Kong Convention (HKC).
Responsible recycling of vessels at the end of their commercial lives is essential to achieving GHG reductions by accelerating the pace of fleet renewal. Sustainable global ship recycling regulations to minimise accidents, injuries, and improve protective measures for the environment are a priority for WSC members. The EU should lead the update of the HKC with the aim to improve global ship recycling practices, supported by thoughtful revision of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation (SRR).
The European List of Ship Recycling facilities includes less than 1% of global ship recycling capacity. The Commission needs to expand the list to include additional recycling facilities with sustainable practices and to create incentives for all facilities to improve safety and environmental standards. Importantly, a port call based recycling fee would undermine EU port and supply chain competitiveness while failing to make recycling more sustainable.
In partnership with policymakers, the WSC is committed to advancing these environmental initiatives, leveraging innovation and global cooperation to achieve a sustainable and decarbonised maritime sector.
Read all our recommendations for EU Policy Priorities 2024-2029